Latest news with #MOT
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Huge blow as drivers' go-to garage with 200 branches to shut another site after motoring retailer ‘reviews estate'
A POPULAR garage with 200 branches will shut another one of its sites in a huge blow to drivers. National Tyres and Autocare in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has been a go-to for locals for years. 1 Motorists will have to find alternative locations following the closure Credit: Google But the garage on Oxford Street will shut down following what the company calls a "review of our estate". National Tyres and Autocare is a national brand of fast fit specialists and is part of the Halfords chain. Halfords say they are supporting the staff affected by the closure and is offering them alternative roles at nearby locations. But it has not been confirmed how many jobs will be affected or whether the site will be closed on a permanent basis. Read more Motors news A spokesman for Halfords told the Northants Telegraph: "We can confirm our National Tyres and Autocare garage on Oxford Street in Wellingborough will close following a review of our estate in the area. "We are committed to supporting impacted colleagues and are offering alternative roles at nearby Halford locations where possible. "We'd like to thank our customers for their continued support and hope to welcome them at our Halfords Autocare garage on Turnells Mill Lane, Victoria Trade Park, which is just a six minute drive away. "Customers can also use Halfords Mobile Expert service for tyre fittings, battery replacements, and other essentials right at their doorstep." Most read in Motors The Wellingborough garage has a 4.3 out of 5 star rating from 225 reviews on Google and was a trusted spot for locals. With many five-star reviews, customers cited the garage's "brilliant service" and praised their "super friendly and helpful team." Another added: "Great old fashion service that hardly exists these days". Halfords has more than 200 National Tyres and Autocare garages across the UK. They specialise in vehicle maintenance and repair, including tyres, exhausts, brakes, batteries, MOT testing, vehicle safety inspections and car servicing. But this isn't the only site they've been forced to close in recent weeks due to a "review" of their estate. The chain also announced the The Broughty Ferry location is already up for sale or lease and surveyors believe the site to have potential for commercial use or redevelopment. Halfords is also set to close one of its main garages in Tweedmouth on June 5, with the company again citing a review of their estate as the reason. The news comes as the motoring industry faces wider challenges, such as the imminent closure of a huge car dealership with over 91,000 vehicles currently on sale, putting over 100 jobs at risk. The German online used car marketplace Heycar has suffered heavy losses since its launch in the UK in 2019, when it set out to rival Auto Trader and Motors. Now, its majority shareholder, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), has decided to pull the plug, leaving more than 126 employees across the UK, Germany, and France facing the risk of losing their jobs. A large proportion of A VWFS spokesperson confirmed, 'We expect we will have to let go of a large portion of Heycar's employees.' Despite the closure, VWFS is planning to carry forward Heycar's innovations. In a statement, VWFS UK said: 'Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) UK is pleased to announce the launch of a new subsidiary that will integrate the technology and expertise developed by Heycar. 'Heycar has been a pioneer in the online used car marketplace and, despite the decision to wind down their operations, the valuable insights and digital solutions developed so far will play a crucial role in the future of VWFS UK, as we continue to explore new ways to drive growth and innovation in the automotive e-commerce space. 'We are anticipating that specialists and resources from Heycar will be joining the new subsidiary, ensuring we have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilise and develop the technology we're acquiring.' Volkswagen Financial Services was the company's largest shareholder, holding a 78 percent stake, followed by Volkswagen at 13 percent and Renault at 9 percent. Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures.
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Driving offenses that could trigger roadside fine as new rule comes into force
The DVSA has changed the company it uses to process payments for roadside fines from today (May 28) - meaning motorists will be able to use Apple Pay and Google Pay From today, the DVSA is updating its payment methods for roadside fines, enabling motorists caught breaching rules to settle up with Apple Pay or Google Pay as quickly as possible. There's no need to worry about learning new tricks; while the interface for card payments is getting spruced up, your usual payment method remains untouched and many might not notice anything's changed. However, the new options for Apple Pay and Google Pay could make the whole process much smoother. A DVSA representative said: "Many people will find this quicker and easier than a standard card payment, especially when using a mobile phone." Those who end up being handed a Fixed Penalty Notice by the DVSA for various motoring offences - whether they're related to vehicle conditions, compliance with driving hours or licensing matters - will now have a more efficient way to pay, both for UK locals and foreign drivers alike. Driver's hours and tachograph offences Exceeding daily or weekly driving time limits. Not taking required breaks or rest periods. Failing to use a tachograph. Using a defective or tampered tachograph. Falsifying or failing to produce tachograph records. Vehicle roadworthiness Driving with defective brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, or steering. Dangerous load securing or overloaded vehicles. Failure to carry out proper daily walkaround checks. Operating an unroadworthy vehicle (may result in a prohibition as well as a fine). Licensing and documentation Driving without a valid driver's licence or correct entitlements (e.g., no HGV licence). Operating without a valid Operator's Licence. No MOT certificate (if required). Lack of vehicle insurance or road tax. Failure to produce required documentation (e.g. vehicle registration, insurance). Weight and load offences Overloading axles or gross vehicle weight. Incorrect or dangerous load securing. Incorrect use of trailers. Emissions and mechanical defects Emissions tampering (e.g., AdBlue cheat devices or DPF removals). Using a vehicle that does not meet emissions standards. Driver conduct and road safety Using a mobile phone while driving. Driving without wearing a seatbelt. Poor vehicle condition leading to immediate prohibition. Excessive vehicle noise or emissions. Fines and penalties Fines can range from £50 to £300 per offence, depending on severity. Multiple fines can be issued at once (e.g., for both driver hours and vehicle defects). In serious cases, vehicles may be immobilised until issues are resolved or fines are paid. Foreign drivers/operators may be required to pay on-the-spot deposits.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Changes to DVSA driving penalties coming tomorrow
The DVSA is changing the company which allows it to take payments for roadside fines on Wednesday, May 28 - meaning it could be easier than ever to pay your fine The DVSA is shaking things up by switching the company it uses to process payments for roadside fines from tomorrow (May 28), meaning motorists will be able to use Apple Pay and Google Pay to settle their fines. You'll be able to use your smartphone at the roadside to pay for offences like: fixed penalties for vehicle defects and other offences, such as breaking the rules around drivers' hours immobilisation fees court deposits This revamp means the payment interface for plastic card transactions will get a fresh look. But luckily, users don't need to adapt the way they make payments, and many might not even spot the change. But the addition of Apple Pay and Google Pay options could streamline the process considerably. A DVSA spokesman has said: "Many people will find this quicker and easier than a standard card payment, especially when using a mobile phone." In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can give roadside fines (also known as Fixed Penalty Notices, or FPNs) for a variety of offenses related to how roadworthy your vehicle is, if you're abiding by driver hour regulations, and licensing —applicable to UK-based and international motorists alike, according to Cambridgeshire Live. Some common reasons for receiving a DVSA roadside fine include: Driver's Hours and Tachograph Offences Exceeding daily or weekly driving time limits. Not taking required breaks or rest periods. Failing to use a tachograph. Using a defective or tampered tachograph. Falsifying or failing to produce tachograph records. Vehicle Roadworthiness Driving with defective brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, or steering. Dangerous load securing or overloaded vehicles. Failure to carry out proper daily walkaround checks. Operating an unroadworthy vehicle (may result in a prohibition as well as a fine). Licensing and Documentation Driving without a valid driver's licence or correct entitlements (e.g., no HGV licence). Operating without a valid Operator's Licence. No MOT certificate (if required). Lack of vehicle insurance or road tax. Failure to produce required documentation (e.g. vehicle registration, insurance). Weight and Load Offences Overloading axles or gross vehicle weight. Incorrect or dangerous load securing. Incorrect use of trailers. Emissions and Mechanical Defects Emissions tampering (e.g., AdBlue cheat devices or DPF removals). Using a vehicle that does not meet emissions standards. Driver Conduct and Road Safety Using a mobile phone while driving. Driving without wearing a seatbelt. Poor vehicle condition leading to immediate prohibition. Excessive vehicle noise or emissions. Fines and Penalties Fines can range from £50 to £300 per offence, depending on severity. Multiple fines can be issued at once (e.g., for both driver hours and vehicle defects). In serious cases, vehicles may be immobilised until issues are resolved or fines are paid. Foreign drivers/operators may be required to pay on-the-spot deposits.
Press and Journal
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Press and Journal
Highland Council given safety warning after wheel falls off vehicle and loose wheel nuts found on another
Several investigations were launched into the condition of Highland Council's vehicles after the wheel fell off one and loose wheel nuts were later found on another. Scotland's Deputy Traffic Commissioner issued a 'formal warning' to the council's vehicle team after the two incidents and instances of failing to correctly report defects. It is the council's second independent audit into their vehicle fleet in just over a year and could have led to a public inquiry into its vehicle conduct. Committee councillors congratulated officers and welcomed their report stating the council had avoided the 'disaster' of a public inquiry. However, other councillors have described the auditor's verdict and the near miss of an inquiry as 'anything but a clean bill of health.' Back in 2021, the council suffered a 'wheel loss incident' with one of their vehicles in Lochaber. That was noted by officials, but in 2023 the council were told a vehicle was not road worthy after an MOT revealed it had loose wheel nuts and another had suspension issues. Despite the issues being 'rectified immediately' the DVSA decided to conduct a 'more thorough investigation' given the 'seriousness' of the faults. This resulted in an independent audit on the council's fleet operations in May last year. After the initial investigation, the Deputy Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, Hugh Olson, issued a 'formal warning,' questioning the council's operating procedure for vehicles. A second independent audit was subsequently conducted in February of this year. The latest independent audit was conducted by Logistics UK and was returned to the council in March. Several 'urgent' actions issued to the council included an overhaul of the council's 'defect reporting process' for vehicles. These actions included a review of the 'control and compliance of drivers,' part of which involved the process of checking driver licences. The audit also revealed the council does not have a 'formal' drugs and alcohol policy, which includes random testing for their drivers and vehicle staff. Further actions for the council to take included multiple policy reviews and various continued checks on the council's seven vehicle workshops. Another independent audit must be completed by the August 31 to judge improvements to the service. The council is currently working on implementing a 'no defect, no repair' policy as part of their improvements to vehicle services. Further training on driver licences and compliance has been issued and a drugs and alcohol policy remains on target for the next report in September. On a UK government vehicle operations scoring system, Highland Council is still rated overall as 'low risk.' Graham MacKenzie, chairman of Highland Council's communities and place committee, said the investigations are a 'significantly serious issue for the council.' He added: 'It would not have been good to have been asked to attend a public inquiry in relation to this.' He then thanked council officers for their work in avoiding further scrutiny. Skye councillor Drew Millar said: 'I welcome this report and congratulations to the staff who did all the work to avert what could have potentially been a bit of a disaster.' Speaking after the more positive comments in the chamber, Inverness councillor Duncan Macpherson said the council's situation was 'anything but' a 'clean bill of health. Councillor Macpherson, who has run car dealerships across the Highlands and Moray and managed MOT testing facilities, was watching the meeting online. He said: 'Facing the prospect of having to appear up in front of the Traffic Commissioner, the council hurriedly took reparative action to correct their own faults and shortcomings on the way their fleet of vehicles was maintained.' He compared the council's actions that of a private company and said in this situation the business owner in the Highlands would likely have been 'sanctioned and financially penalised.' Mr Macpherson added the 'damning' report was 'genuinely bad news' and said the attempts to frame it as good news 'beggar belief.' The council will provide a further update on progress to improve the service in September.
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Scotsman
Operation targets illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters
Dedication to public service is a key aspect to policing. My colleagues and I take a great pride in serving the public and contributing to the safety, health, and wellbeing of the communities that we are part of and serve. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Police officers are essentially members of the public with some additional and limited powers, such as the ability to stop and search individuals where we have reasonable cause to do so. In South West Edinburgh, police have targeted the illegal use of e-bikes and e-Scooters as part of Operation Pillar When we use our police powers, we always do so to protect and safeguard people, including some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. We are human and do occasionally make mistakes and get things wrong. When we do make mistakes, we strive to learn from them and make improvements for the future. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We welcome your feedback, please let us know how we are doing and where we can make things better. You can do this by completing the 'Your Police' survey on our website at Road safety is a priority for Edinburgh. Policing of the roads is the responsibility of all operational officers and specialist Road Policing support is provided in each Local Command Area. We proactively address behaviours that affect the safety and wellbeing of all Scotland's road users through a combination of education, prevention and enforcement. We also target criminal groups who use the road network to further their illegal endeavours. Recently we have seen a rise in the use of unregistered e-bikes and e-scooters on the roads and pathways in the south west of Edinburgh. To ensure the legal use of e-bikes, riders must comply with various to conditions, which centre around how it is propelled and the maximum continuous power it can reach. In addition, a rider must be 14 years or older and wear a helmet while riding. Should the above conditions not be met, then it would be considered motorcycle and road traffic legislation would therefore apply i.e. requirement to possess driving licence and insurance. Similarly, riders of e-scooters must comply with the road traffic legislation and be in possession of relevant driving licence, insurance and MOT. Also, e-scooters must be ridden only on roads and not on pavements or pedestrian walkways. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In south west Edinburgh, we have targeted the illegal use of e-bikes and e-Scooters as part of Operation Pillar, resulting in multiple vehicles being seized and riders being charged with road traffic offences. In the next phase of the operation, we will be focusing on the use of off-road bikes on the roads and associated anti-social behaviour. If you are the owner of a motorbike or e-scooter, please protect your vehicle and make sure that you have secured it appropriately. Many vehicles are stolen because they are poorly secured or not secured at all. A full range of crime prevention advice is available on our website. Please work with us as we strive to make the roads safer. If you have any issues you would like to raise, please let us know by calling 101 or contact us via our website. Chief Inspector Niven Bull is Local Area Commander, South West Edinburgh
